Writing with Dialects and Accents in Fiction

            I have a weakness for westerns. I blame it on genetics since I have family members who enjoy westerns too. One part that I like about these novels is the language. It isn't overly grammatical or polished, but it's plain-speaking (or straight-shooting if you prefer that expression). Different elements can give writing a new personality and color. Dialects and accents in writing can bring a story to life. If done right, they can give characters an instantly recognizable identity and build a more imaginative setting. The key to doing them right is to make sure they are identifiable. A badly done accent will both be unrecognizable and bring down the quality of the writing. This week, I’ll give some tips about how to write a better accent and why including one might be beneficial to your story.

            Dialects and accents can be tricky for any author. To make them work well for your story, there are three points you need to be careful of. The first is legibility. The wording needs to be legible for the reader. Spelling and punctuation have some leeway when trying to recreate a certain accent, but it should not be sacrificed to the point that a reader cannot decipher what is being said. If it is coming out in a way that can be hard to read, you have several possibilities to consider. First, illegible words might be a sign that you’re trying too hard to create the accent. In this case, you might want to step back for a moment and rethink how you portray the language. On the other hand, dialects sometimes use words or pronunciations that are unusual and unknown to the average reader. In that case, you should consider including cues that help a reader understand what is being said.

            Another point you should be cautious of is consistency. This is a critical point. If you start with a certain dialect, you should be finishing with it. It is imperative that the dialect is consistent throughout the whole work and doesn't come in and out. The lack of consistency will detract both from your writing and your character's authenticity. Consistency also applies at a more minute level. Not only should the accent stay true throughout the work, but the qualities of it should be consistent. The same spellings and punctuations should be used every time. The easiest way to ensure this is to keep notes about the usages you have in your work. As an editor, I suggest you have a copy of those notes available to your editor. Your editor can then know what you intended and catch any variations in your writing.

            A final caution, and the most important one to take away from this, is accuracy. If you write consistently and legibly through your whole work, it will mean nothing if you portray the dialect or accent inaccurately. Do your research and make certain that you are writing the speech correctly. And I mean truly correct and not just stereotypes of accents. If you aren’t careful about accuracy, it will sound “off” to readers and potentially offend those who do speak with that dialect or accent. You wouldn’t like it if someone misrepresented you so be careful that you don’t do it to someone else.

            With that being said, I hope I didn’t completely scare you off from trying to write a dialect or accent because it does have benefits. One such benefit is the local color an accent can bring to your writing. It is, like I said earlier, instant identity. It is a creative way to carry one’s reader quickly to a certain time and place. It can also create a connection for the reader with the story. For those familiar with the accent, it can give them a sense of investment because it is something they know. I like reading books that include a Southern accent because it reminds me of my childhood. My favorite teacher was from West Virginia and I loved hearing her talk. That brings up a third benefit. Even if a dialect isn't personally known to the reader, it can be intriguing. There is something about a foreign accent or dialect that piques others' curiosity. Either way, it can grab readers’ attention and create a more vivid picture for them.

            The next time you decide to write, why not try adding a dialect or accent to your story? It can give your work a unique flare that draws in readers and creates a setting through speech. Just be careful that as you write you keep an eye on legibility, consistency, and accuracy. These three keys will help guide you as you try your hand at writing dialects and accents.